Vintage car rally enthralls Delhiites
By IANSSunday, February 13, 2011
NEW DELHI - Many a head turned as lovingly restored vintage cars drove down the capital’s streets Sunday in the 45th Statesman Vintage and Classic Car Rally. Rolling out from Statesman House in the morning, the cars travelled to the Greater Noida YMCA, where the event concluded.
The Indian Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, flagged off the rally.
Car lovers in the capital, including children, turned out in large numbers to witness the parade.
Around 160 vintage and classic vehicles participated in the rally.
Starting from very old sturdy Fords, little Austins, Bentleys, Lagondas, Miervas, the stylish Rolls Royce, Chevrolets and the Jaguars from the olden times, the rally was lead by a 1914 John Morris fire engine from the National Rail Museum, a regular favourite and a winner in many events.
As the classic beauties started rolling out from the majestic Statesman building, the participants and visitors went on overdrive with their cameras to capture the magical moment.
The rally brought together the petrolheads, shutterbugs, picnickers and even children in their Sunday best.
The rally drove via India Gate, Purana Quila road, Pragati Maidan, Ring Road, DND flyway and moved to the Marwah Studios in Noida’s Film City and finally through the Greater Noida Expressway to the YMCA.
At the YMCA the participants, along with their family members, were entertained by the rock band Black Slade and treated with a sumptuous lunch and beverages.
The rally finally ended with prize distribution at the Modern School on Barakhamba Road.
The 1914 John Morris won the Statesman Challenge trophy for the oldest participating vehicle. A 1939 Bentley received the C.R. Irani trophy.
The Indian Oil trophy also went to the John Morris.
Suman Gupta received the Depaul’s trophy for Best Lady Driver.
